Hair Shaving
A bold – and bald – display of solidarity Hair shaving and auction in support of cancer survivors By Damar Padwa
O
ctober is the month set aside internationally to raise awareness of early screening for the detection of
breast cancer, which continues to claim the lives of many women – and men – around the world. This year, the Kenya Cancer Association (Kencasa) and the American Women’s Association decided to observe Cancer Month in dramatic style. Women from all walks of life gathered at The Village Market on 31 October to have their hair shaved in support of cancer initiatives in Kenya. This emotional event made history as the very first of such initiatives in Kenya.
Youngest participant As the youngest participant to have her hair shaved, nine-year-old Abigael Awino moved the
Women from all walks of life gathered at The Village Market on 31 October to have their hair shaved in support of cancer initiatives in Kenya.
audience to tears. Abigael said she had taken part in the event in order to stand in solidarity with her
impact on women who ended up losing their
friend’s mother, a cancer survivor.
breasts and hair while seeking treatment. “Many of these women have low self-esteem and others
In a speech, David Makumi, vice-chairman of
lapse into depression,” he said.
Kencasa, noted that cancer not only had a physical
Solidarity The aim of the hair shaving and auction event was to show solidarity with these women. Proceeds from the event would be used to buy prosthetic breast moulds and wigs for cancer survivors. This bold and visually dramatic event was covered by various local and international media houses including the BBC Swahili Service, Al Jazeera TV, Xinhua News Agency, China Central Television (CCTV), South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Citizen TV, Nation TV, K24 and Capital FM.
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A Publication of The Village Market // December 2012 - January 2013
Top: KENCASA vice chairperson, David Makumi gives the keynote address. Above: Abigael Awino smiles proudly after taking part in the historic event. Nine-year old Abigael is a class 4 pupil at Loreto Convent Valley Road in Nairobi Left: Dr. Kanyori Samuel Barare a physician with the Embassy of the United States speaks during the event